Breaking Down Walls | Bryan L. Carter | Sermon Notes — Hello Pastor

Sermon Notes

Breaking Down Walls

Bryan L. Carter

Concord Church • Jan 6, 2025 • 35 min

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Take this message with you through a journey of Scripture, reflection, and prayer.

Summary

God designed the church to unite people across racial, socioeconomic, gender, and political divisions through a common devotion to Jesus Christ. By becoming 'God chasers' through prayer and immediate obedience, believers allow God to work deeply in their lives and remove barriers. Furthermore, God calls His people to be spiritual 'lifters' rather than 'lids,' actively helping others take their next step with Christ in a broken world.

Themes

Unity in ChristSpiritual ObedienceCommunity and MentorshipThe Inclusive GospelPrayer and Fasting

Pastor's Points

1.

Cornelius was a God Chaser

2.

God sees more for Cornelius

Key Points

1.
God envisioned a church that transcends racial, socioeconomic, gender, class, and political divisions through a shared love for Him.
2.
A 'God Chaser' is someone who passionately pursues God's presence above status, career, image, or personal ambition.
3.
When believers pray, they actively acknowledge and declare their complete need and dependence on God.
4.
God sees every believer's heart, quiet efforts, and struggles, and He always desires to take them deeper into His purpose.
5.
True spiritual relationship is measured by immediate obedience to God's word without seeking external approval or delay.
6.
No believer grows in isolation; God intentionally uses spiritual companions and mentors to help us reach our next milestone with Christ.
7.
While 'lids' limit people based on background or tradition, 'lifters' encourage others to step into God's full purpose.
8.
The ground is level at the foot of the cross, proving that every person regardless of background or past needs Jesus Christ.

Sermon Moments

“When you pause and pray, you are declaring: God, I need You.”

“God does not grade your prayers on a grading scale; He grades your prayers on your heart condition, not what comes out of your mouth.”

“God didn't move; we moved—like the husband riding with his wife who asked why they didn't sit close anymore, and he said, 'Baby, I never moved.'”

“Your obedience to God is a great measure of your relationship with God.”

“None of us get to our next step on our own, but God uses other people to help you get to where He wants you to be.”

“Lids see limitations, liabilities, and losses, while lifters lift people up into God's purpose.”

“The ground is level at the foot of the cross; all of us need Jesus Christ no matter our background, status, or story.”

“When Jesus died on the cross, He didn't die for certain types of people—He died for everybody in an inclusive gospel.”

This Week

Commit to a dedicated daily prayer time during a 21-day season of prayer to intentionally chase after God's presence.

Consider fasting from a daily distraction or habit, such as social media, to create greater focus and space for God.

Respond to God's prompts and biblical instructions with immediate obedience rather than delaying, debating, or making excuses.

Seek out a spiritual mentor or companion who can encourage you and help you navigate your next step with Christ.

Schedule lunch or reach out to a friend, co-worker, or family member to check on their spiritual well-being and offer encouragement.

Ask God to reveal any personal biases or 'lids' you may hold toward others, allowing Him to help you see people with dignity and value.

Look for practical opportunities this week to be a 'lifter' by supporting, praying for, and serving someone in need.

Remember This

God calls believers to break down societal walls by chasing after Him, obeying immediately, and actively lifting others into His transformational grace.

A Challenge for You

Use the upcoming 21 days of prayer and fasting to chase hard after God, give up daily distractions, and choose to be a lifter who helps others take their next step with Christ.

These are personal sermon notes shared to help you remember the message — not a replacement for Scripture, your church, or your pastors.